# Examining Flame Retardant Exposure, Neurocognitive Effects, and Resilience Factors in Children from Underserved Racial/Ethnic Backgrounds in Preschool

> **NIH NIH R01** · OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $26,620

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Children from underserved racial/ethnic backgrounds may have elevated exposures to flame retardant
chemicals in their environments that threaten health and development from an early age. Although state
governments have passed laws which ban polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) due to neurotoxicity,
children from underserved racial/ethnic groups may still encounter PBDEs, and preliminary evidence suggests
that they may be exposed to larger quantities of PBDEs than White children (for example through older homes,
secondhand and discarded furniture, clothing, and mattresses). Moreover, children’s exposure to chlorinated
organophosphates (OPFRs) as flame retardants, and their developmental effects remains largely unknown.
The proposed study will examine both the individual and cumulative effects of PBDEs and OPFRs.
Additionally, relational and community factors such as social support and connectedness are predictive of
health and wellness, especially for those from underserved racial/ethnic groups that experience daily isolation
and discrimination. Research that examines joint influences of social and biological factors on cognitive
development specifically with regard to environmental toxin exposure is essential. The overall objective in this
supplementary grant is to examine racial/ethnic disparities in flame retardant exposures, and to quantify the
effects of both flame retardant exposure and protective factors (relational and community) on children’s
cognitive skills (executive function or EF) during preschool. The central hypothesis is that children with
underserved race/ethnicity will experience higher levels of exposure to both PBDEs and OPFRs, which will be
predictive of lower EF skills in preschool. Furthermore, relational and community protective factors among
children and their parents will predict higher EF for children from underserved race/ethnic groups, controlling
for flame retardant exposure. This study will be conducted within the parent study through additional literature
review, analysis, and mentoring. The aims of this study expand upon those of the parent study.
The expected outcomes are to have quantified racial/ethnic disparities in PBDE and OPFR exposure, and
advanced understanding of potentially neurotoxic effects of such exposures, as well as supportive influences of
relational and community protective factors among young children from racial/ethnic groups that have
historically been underserved by society. Moreover, this project will prepare the candidate for an independent
career to conduct research on protective factors that ameliorate potentially deleterious effects of environmental
exposures among children from underserved racial/ethnic groups, such as cultural socialization and cultural
identity.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10249584
- **Project number:** 3R01ES029497-02S1
- **Recipient organization:** OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Molly L Kile
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $26,620
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2019-09-01 → 2024-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10249584

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10249584, Examining Flame Retardant Exposure, Neurocognitive Effects, and Resilience Factors in Children from Underserved Racial/Ethnic Backgrounds in Preschool (3R01ES029497-02S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10249584. Licensed CC0.

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